Bryophytes and their distribution in the Blue Mountains region of ...

Cunninghamia 10(2): 2007 Downing et al, Bryophytes in the Blue Mountains 227
Fig. 2. Section showing geological strata and landforms along (A) (B) (C) in Figure 1. (Modified from Geological Survey of New South
Wales 1997)
Climate
Rainfall is significantly higher in the upper mountains
(1200–1400 mm p.a.) than in lower areas to the east and west
(about 700–800 mm) (Table 1). The basalt peaks are high
points (above 1000 m a.s.l.) on the Blue Mountains plateau,
and correspondingly their rainfall is higher than surrounding
areas. Mount Tomah has an annual average rainfall of 1541
mm and probably similar rainfall is experienced at the
other high peaks (Rodd 1987). Rainfall is relatively evenly
distributed throughout the year, but slightly lower in winter.
Cloud, mist and fog are not uncommon and snow falls
occasionally in winter on the higher parts above 1000 m.
Temperatures in the Blue Mountains are cooler both in
summer and in winter than those in Sydney (Table 1). In
general, temperatures are higher in areas to the north-west
of the area (eg Glen Davis) but rainfall is much lower, about
650 mm per annum. To the south, (Taralga) temperatures are
close to those of the higher Blue Mountains, but rainfall is
lower, about 800–900 mm p.a. (Commonwealth Bureau of
Meteorology 2006).
Table 1. Climatic Records for sites in and near the Blue Mountains study area (Mount Tomah data from Rodd (1987), other sites
from Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology (2006)).
Measurement Sydney Richmond Mt Tomah Katoomba Mt Victoria Lithgow Glen Davis Taralga
Metres above sea level 39 19 1016 1030 1064 950 282 845
Mean daily maximum
temperature for
January °C
25.8 29.6 26.5 23.1 23.0 25.5 30.3 25.7
Highest maximum
temperature for
January °C
45.3 47.8 N/A 36.1 35.5 37.7 N/A 38.8
Mean daily minimum
temperature for July °C
8.0 3.6 3.6 2.5 1.7 0.7 2.0 0.6
Lowest minimum
temperature for July °C
2.2 -8.3 -5.0 -8.2 -6.3 -8.0 N/A -9.6
Rainfall mm per annum 1217 810 1541 1402 1061 863 634 804
Cloudy days per annum 134 123 N/A 148 126 142 N/A 124